Storyline

In the early 1970s Nicholas Garrigan, a young semi-idealistic Scottish doctor, comes to Uganda to assist in a rural hospital. Once there he soon meets up with the new President, Idi Amin, who promises a golden age for the African nation. Garrigan hits it off immediately with the rabid Scotland fan, who soon offers him a senior position in the national health department and becomes one of Amin's closest advisers. However as the years pass, Garrigan cannot help but notice Amin's increasingly erratic behavior that grows beyond a legitimate fear of assassination into a murderous insanity that is driving Uganda into bloody ruin. Realizing his dire situation with the lunatic leader unwilling to let him go home, Garrigan must make some crucial decisions that could mean his death if the despot finds out.
Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)

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Did You Know?

On the DVD director's commentary, Kevin Macdonald states that during filming of Idi Amin's visit to the village near the mission, many of the local extras thought it was the real Idi Amin on stage giving speeches.
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Goofs

Idi Amin held the rank of General until 1975, then promoted himself to Field Marshal. Throughout the movie, he wears insignia of both these ranks at differing times, making it appear that he continually switched between them. On the 'working' uniform, he always appears as a General (crossed swords, pip and coat of arms). In his 'dress' uniform he always appears as a Field Marshal (crossed sword and baton enclosed in oak leaves).
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Idi Amin:
You are British? Nicholas Garrigan:
Scottish. I am Scottish. Idi Amin:
Scottish? Ha! Ha! Why didn't you say so?... Great soldiers. Very brave. And good people. Completely. Let me tell you, if I could be anything instead of a Ugandan, I would be a Scot. Nicholas Garrigan:
Right... Really? Idi Amin:
He. Except for the red hair, which I'm sure is attractive to your women, but which we Africans, we find is quite disgusting.See more »